1200GSA Hexhead on poor fuel

[PipandMouse]

How well will our 2010 GSA run on poor quality fuel/low octane fuel? I need the benefit of anyone's experience who has run their GS on poor fuel overseas (or knows someone who has). We're headed to South and Central America in October and posts from other travellers tell us there will be low octane fuel in places (unfortunately they're on different bikes to ours or I'd ask them directly - stuff like XT660's with a different compression ratio).
Does anyone know how well or otherwise a 2010GSA will run on such fuels? I have tried a BMW mechanic but got a stock 'by the book answer' that was no help at all and the guy had no actual experience of riding in areas with variable fuel quality.
Be gentle with me - my first post on this forum! Have tried a couple of searches but either there's no comments on this specific subject or I'm cr*p at using the search function. Given the depth of knowledge and commentary on this forum I can't help but think it's me being cr*p at using the search function!

 

[earthmover]

Went with Sgt Bilco to Alaska in 2012 on my 05 1200, and we definitely had some poor fuel. The bikes ran, but you could tell they were a little 'lethargic' for want of a better description.
Mark

 

[SeanC]

poor fuel

Mine is a 2007 1200gsa and the fuel we get here is usually not bad, but every so often you get water/ general crap/ poor quality fuel even in the cities. We are also at 5,000+ ft altitude here so that doesn't help either.

I notice it when pulling away, especially as you go from 1st to 2nd. It is sluggish then the anti-knock magic kicks in and it sorts itself out. I have no idea if there is any long term damage but once some decent fuel gets in the tank again it is always fine.

There are various additives you can carry with you if you are that concerned.

Sean

 

[davegs]

Fuel

I've ridden through south america and the us several times on my 1150, sometimes in us fuel very low octain (80 in parts) but apart from it feeling a bit down on power the engine management system copes very well I don't think you'll have a problem.
If your going through Nicuagria you should realise they drive on whatever side of the road they feel like!(or so it seems!)
and in the dark about 50% don't have more than one working light and watch out for cops after you for speeding, they are after bribes so make out you've got no money!!. I almost got done for "speeding whilst sitting in the passenger seat in a r/h drive van!!.

 

[PipandMouse]

Many thanks earthmover

 

[PipandMouse]

Many thanks SeanC. That's reassuring, sounds like the bike will deal with it. I am 'vaguely' aware of the additives option but in the run up I'm constantly figuring out ways to keep the weight and bulk down as we'll be 2up with camping kit so anything I can avoid carrying, shall be avoided. Thanks again.

 

[PipandMouse]

Thanks davegs. Didn't realise the fuel in the US would be low octane! I've sort of concentrated so far on S America knowing there's some dodgy fuel in places and never thought there'd be low octane fuel in a '1st world country'. Hey ho, we live and learn. (Guess who's only ridden around in Europe before)